Wood fell about 20 metres into the crevasse, and was critically injured in the fall, according to the Australian government.

The fall occurred during a refuelling operation involving two pilots, each flying solo in their helicopters. The pilots were sling loading fuel, which consists of transporting barrels hung by cables from the bottom of the aircraft.

The Australian government says the pilots had already dropped off their fuel barrels, and had just landed to retrieve the cables when the fall occurred.

"After disembarking from his aircraft, Mr. Wood fell into a crevasse," the government said.

The other pilot on the mission made radio contact with Wood after his fall, then flew back to Australia's Davis Station to get help.

Wood was rescued from the crevasse about three hours later, and airlifted back to a medical facility with critical injuries. The Australian government says Wood was treated by "a team of specialists on station and in Australia via telemedicine."

However, they were unable to save him, and he died of his injuries.

Wood had more than 30 years of experience as a pilot, and had "worked extensively in both the Antarctic and Arctic," according to Dr. Nick Gales, Australia's Antarctic Division Director.

"Mr. Wood was a respected colleague and friend to many in the Australian Antarctic program, with which has been involved for a number of years," Gales said in a news release.

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